How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hose Bibb or Outdoor Faucet?

February 22, 2021 by Team HomeServe

Angled shot of an outdoor faucet frozen dripping water The crystal clear drops of water dramatically stand out from the vinyl wall and shine

Hose Bibb Costs at a Glance

DIY: $20-$50
Professional installation: $120-$300

A leaky faucet in your backyard may not be as troublesome as a leaky faucet on an indoor sink, but constant water dripping anywhere can cause a problem. If your outdoor spigot is damaged, you may not be able to hook up a hose to get water to your garden or other areas of your yard as needed.

This May Also Interest You: Prevent Frozen-Pipe Problems by Knowing These Things Down Cold

Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, here’s what it’ll cost to fix your hose bibb.

What Is a Hose Bibb?

All hose bibbs are outdoor faucets, but not all outdoor faucets are hose bibbs. A hose bibb is an outdoor faucet specifically designed to accept a hose attachment. Outdoor spigots, taps and faucets may or may not have these threads.

If you're having issues with your hose bibb, you’ll want to repair or replace it sooner rather than later. Slow leaks that can waste a lot of water, and all that extra moisture near your home can cause structural damage or mold.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hose Bibb?

The cost of hose bibb replacement depends on what type you want and whether you’re going to do the job yourself. Simply replacing the hose bibb for a newer model is a relatively easy DIY job. But, if your outdoor water line or copper pipes need replacing, you may be looking at additional expenses.

The hose bibb itself costs between $5 and $50 for a basic, residential model. You might pay more — up to $300 — if you need a hydrant or other specialty spigot with unique features, such as backflow prevention.

Other materials include hose bibb adapters, which cost $5 to $10, and plumber’s putty or tape, which costs between $2 and $10.

To do a basic hose bibb replacement yourself, the total cost will be $20 to $50, depending on the type of bibb you install.

For a professional installation, you’ll also need to pay labor costs. Assuming there’s no pipe damage, installing a new hose bibb costs $120 to $300 on average.

Types of Hose Bibbs

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of hose bibbs:

Standard Hose Bibb

You must winterize standard hose bibbs each year to prevent damage. They cost about $5.

Frost-Free Hose Bibb

To save yourself the winter maintenance, you can install a frost-free bibb. They typically cost $25.

Round Plastic Hose Bibb

These are better suited for indoor use. The average cost is $5.

Loose-Key Hose Bibb

Loose-key bibbs let you remove the “key” that operates the spigot so you can control who can access the water supply. They cost about $10.

More Related Articles:

Other Factors to Consider

If you’ll need to run new pipe, repair outdoor sinks or install a yard hydrant, the project will cost a lot more. If the hose bibb installation is new, for example, plumbers may have to dig trenches to bury pipes, connect pipes to existing plumbing and install the entire structure for the faucet. Expect to pay between $400 and $4,000.

Here are some other factors that may impact cost:

Whether the plumbing exists for the spigot
If plumbing is in good repair or needs work
How far from the home the spigot will be and how much pipe must be run

How Long Does a Hose Bibb Last?

Most hose bibbs are designed to last for many years. Stainless steel or brass bibbs resist corrosion. In some cases, you can get decades of use out of an outdoor spigot that is maintained properly.

Signs You Need a New Hose Bibb

If you see any of these signs near your hose bibb, it could be time to replace it:

Dripping water or a puddle beneath the spigot
Water leaking down the spigot, wall or pipe
Rust or buildup
Damage to any components, such as a cracked handle
Odd sounds when you run water through it, such as squealing or clanking

How to Replace a Hose Bibb

If the spigot is damaged or old, you might be better off replacing the whole thing rather than trying to repair a specific part. Here’s a brief step-by-step guide:

Consult your local building codes to ensure you’re using the appropriate pipes for your location. Most will also require a shutoff valve and vacuum breaker.
Turn off the water.
Use a pipe wrench to remove the existing spigot and connected pipe.
Insert the new spigot and attached pipe.
Attach any necessary fittings or adapters to complete the connection, then seal them with putty or tape.
Turn on the water. Test the installation by running water through it and checking for leaks at all joints and functional points.

Should You Hire a Pro for Outdoor Faucet Repair?

Even basic plumbing jobs can lead to serious and more expensive issues if they’re not done correctly. If you’re inexperienced working with pipes and faucets, you may want to have a professional replace your hose bibb to avoid potential water woes down the road.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you the peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.